Monday, September 04, 2006

My personal input

It's been a while since I have included my own thoughts as opposed to publishing the various articles, facts and pictures so here goes:

The situation here is really really bad.The ongoing blockade is preventing economic recovery and reconstruction as we are unable to get any products / supplies into the country (including material for reconstruction) other than the various governmental aids.This year many many parents will not be able to put their children through school because they are either out of jobs (the level of mass layoffs have reached critical and fatal proportions) or the company they are working for, although has not fired them, is unable to pay them any salaries. I have heard that a staggering 75% of the country's workforce is unemployed.Businesses are unable to provide any products to their customers as they cannot receive them from their suppliers so no orders are being placed in either direction.Supermarket shelves are practically empty and only the bare necessities are being imported through Syria but at dramatically expensive prices because of the increased costs and risk levels of transportation.I have received reports that as of next week we will have a shortage of chicken to eat as we have run out of food to feed them. I am sure that it is the same for other animals as well.The sea is heavily polluted because of the oil spills and carrying high cancer risks and the fish and other sea produce are poisoned so people are afraid to eat fish.Agriculture is in the worst shape because although the fighting has stopped, farmers are unable to collect the remaining produce as the fields are filled with landmines which need to be dismantled and disposed of and every day of delay is causing more loss and damaged goods.Restaurants are practically empty because they don't have any fresh food to offer.Not to mention the on-going fuel problem (although we have received some reserves, we can run out at any moment), the lack of supplies for hospitals and the lack of medecines...The young generation (aged 23 to 43) has left looking for a better future elsewhere and the country has a gaping hole in terms of who would be left to pick-up the pieces and rebuild... yet again.Lebanon's brain-drain has increased 100x folds.Many middle-aged men have left their families here and are looking for a job abroad especially in Arabic and African countries and a few have even decided to take their wives and children with them despite the harsh living conditions there.Relationships are being strained and tested for endurance, moods and morals are at the lowest levels and stress is taking its toll on everyone.

What else can I say?At the very least, I am very grateful because my family and myself are healthy and well and are still living in our home and together so I thank God for everything!J.

1 comment:

nahhoul
said...

hi janine,

i myself am a optimistic person in life, i cant help it but i always look at the filled part of the glass and i always look at the positive side of matters, and although u r right in what u said, but i'm positive that we r going to pass this tough period and our beloved lebanon will return to bring stronger than before.